South Congaree Town Council recently raised police pay, espousing an emphasis on officer safety.

Upon exiting executive session at its regular meeting on April 18, council voted unanimously to approve a 10% increase in police pay from the previous starting rate of $41,000, according to Chief Josh Shumpert.

The town’s police department is also looking to reinforce its efforts by purchasing new equipment.

Cpt. Chris Garner spoke to council, advocating for the town to acquire new safety gear, including window guards and spit hoods.

The window guards would be placed over the back windows of each law enforcement vehicle and make it so the defendant is unable to slam their head against the window and potentially break it. A defendant breaking a window could lead to them jumping out of the car or using the glass as a weapon or to harm themselves.

Garner said that the guards would cost the town roughly $295, adding that it is “cheap insurance” compared to the $800 to $1,200 it would take to replace/repair the vehicle's door.

“I've had people kick my windshields out on the way to lock up going down the interstate. People act very unruly,” Garner said.

Another safety precaution that the department hopes to implement is spit hoods, these hoods would make defendants unable to spit or grab anything with their mouth, creating a situation that is safer for the officers. The reason for this precaution is because saliva can carry blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis.

These hoods wouldn’t be immediately placed on a defendant, Garner said, and would only be used as a precaution if the defendant shows signs of spitting or other forms of violence.

During the regular meeting, council voted unanimously for the first reading of a local revenue services ordinance. Mayor Cindy Campbell shared with those in attendance that the Municipal Association of South Carolina offers collection programs for certain business license taxes

“Our continued participation in these programs requires that our municipalities take action authorizing agreements by May 26 2023,” she said

Council also discussed its ongoing bidding process for landscaping help, ultimately deciding it needs to be placed back out for bid and to be discussed in the following workshop.

Mayor Pro-Tem Mechelle Mabry recommended rewriting it as a 12-month term, rather than month to month.

Council Member Kitty Spires mentioned adding separate proposals to cover landscaping of the backdrop of the town sign, as well as pruning and maintaining the crepe myrtles.

Council also tentatively scheduled its 2024 budget meeting for May 1, where it also plans to give second reading to an ordinance to annex property at 4705 McDonald Ave.

Property owner Melissa Garrison requested that it be annexed into the town, with council giving unanimous approval on first reading.

“Glad to have you.” Campbell said.